6 Ways Travel Is Good for Your Health

Everyone loves vacationing, but did you know that travel is actually amazing for your health, too? In case you needed another excuse to book that trip for the summer, this is it.

It turns out that research is now pointing toward traveling as a means for achieving better health and a happier life. The numbers speak volumes for how much a good vacation can benefit the body. Ranging from reducing the risk of having a heart attack to relishing in a better sex life, the advantages are undeniable.

Still skeptical? Read on to be fully convinced on why your next vacay needs to be this summer.

1. Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

After turning 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years, which is why it is awesome to have something so enjoyable that can combat the risk. One study found that traveling can actually prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This was particularly true for retired members of the study. It’s one of the scariest risks that comes with age, but being able to fight it with travel is a total win.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack or Coronary Death

The same study also found that women who vacationed at least twice a year had a lesser chance of having a heart attack or coronary death compared to women who vacationed only every six years or less. The benefits are pretty similar for men: Those in the study who did not vacation every year had a 20 percent higher risk of death and were 30 percent more likely to experience death from heart disease. The more you vacation, the better. So don’t skimp on your vacation time, and get away whenever you can.

3. Enhance Your Mood

So not only are you reducing your risk of dying, but you’ll also feel better while doing it. The same study also focused on mood, and it found that travel, not surprisingly, can definitely be an enhancer. According to the study, 86 percent of people who travel claim to have a more positive view on their outlook on life. Only 75 percent of people who don’t travel can say the same.

Some time away from daily stresses can definitely help boost your mood, but being able to immerse yourself in new cultures and spark your curiosity is great for the soul.

4. Pump Up Your Sex Life

If you’re feeling a lull in your sex life and are looking to spice things up, you might want to consider taking a trip with your significant other. According to the research done by The Travel Effect, one-third of leisure travelers have more sex while they are vacationing. Not that sex on vacation comes as a giant shock, but that 33 percent should be pretty convincing.

Don’t forget the many health benefits of having sex. These benefits include: strengthening your immune system, boosting your libido, improving bladder control, lowering blood pressure and more – but do you really need another reason?

5. Relieve Some of That Work Stress

Being in a better mood and having lots of sex on top of sipping that daiquiri on the beach – well, of course you’re going to reduce some stress. There’s more to it than that, however. According to the Travel Effect, employees who take time off from work are actually less stressed, more productive, have better confidence in their work and are not as prone to checking out at the office. Nothing good comes from never giving yourself a break from your job. You’ll be doing yourself and your company a favor by taking some time off and doing some exploring.

6. Take Advantage of Cooler Exercise Opportunities

As opposed to sitting home avoiding the same old run around the neighborhood, traveling gives you exercise opportunities that will totally peak your interest. Planning a trip that will keep you outdoors is great for you, so you might want to consider one of the awesome camping destinations across the United States. There are no excuses for not working out when you’re on a trip. Check out these 10 ways to fit one in while on vacation.

Camping is great for your health. Being outside will boost the body’s amount of vitamin D, which means healthy blood and stronger bones. Vitamin D can also prevent depression, high blood pressure, cancer and heart attacks. It will also help you get a better night’s sleep. Camping keeps you active through hiking and biking, but it also has many other benefits that are mental, social and emotional.

Have you booked your trip yet? It might be the easiest way to rejuvenate your body. Whether you need some much needed relaxation, some help in the romance department, a mood boost or just want to prevent some horrible health risks, traveling could be the answer. It’s a great feeling that you’re not only treating yourself by taking a trip, but that you’re also treating yourself right.